At Home and at the Doctor: A Health Blog

18 March 2020

What States Have Legalized Medical Marijuana, And Who Can It Help?

Medical marijuana has become an increasingly popular topic. Many people use marijuana products to get relief as they struggle with health problems. If you're new to using medical marijuana, you may have a lot of questions and may still be learning. Keep reading to learn more about which states have legalized medical marijuana as well as what kind of medical conditions and situations may be improved with the use of medical marijuana.

Which States Have Legalized Medical Marijuana?

33 states and the District of Columbia have legalized medical marijuana usage. Each state has its own rules and requirements in place for legality. The following states have not yet legalized medical marijuana: Alabama, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Mississippi, Nebraska, North Carolina, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. These laws are always changing, so if your state does not yet legalize medical marijuana, just keep an eye out for potential law changes in the future.

What Kind of Medical Conditions Can Benefit from Medical Marijuana Usage?

Again, this varies by state law. Not all medical conditions may qualify for a medical marijuana program. It's always best to double-check with your state laws and your specific program. But, some of the following conditions may qualify and benefit from medical marijuana: Crohn's disease, depression, cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, terminal illness, multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia, arthritis, migraines, HIV/Aids, and sickle cell disease. These are just some examples.

How Do I Get Approved?

If you want to get a medical marijuana card, you'll need to check with your state laws and your specific program. In most cases, you'll need to see your own doctor or a medical marijuana doctor and have them outline why you're a good fit for the program. You then need to apply with your state and if approved, you'll get a card. This card will allow you to shop at your state medical marijuana dispensaries.

Should I Apply?

If you think that you can benefit from your state's program, it's a good idea to apply. You can minimize your symptoms, get pain relief, and have a lot less discomfort. While it will take time to find the exact medical marijuana products that help you, it can greatly improve your life.

If you have any questions about using medical marijuana for your health and wellness needs, reach out to your doctor or a medical marijuana dispensary in your community.

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About Me

Most people, when they think about health, picture a doctor's office. Indeed, your doctor is a key contributor to your health. They check your vital signs, prescribe medicine when necessary, and can even send you for surgery when a more serious ailment arises. But health care does not just take place in the doctor's office. It's all-encompassing. What you do at home matters; how much exercise you get, what you eat, and how well you sleep all have a huge impact on your health. If you are interesting in learning more about health from an array of perspectives, check out the articles on this blog.